Definition
A hand tool with hardened cutting jaws set at an angle to the handles, used to cut wire, safety wire, cotter pins, and small metal fasteners close to a surface. The angled jaws allow the cut to be made flush against the work without the handles getting in the way.
Plain English
Pliers with sharp, angled jaws made for cutting wire and small metal pieces close to whatever they're attached to.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance tool lists, hangar work, inspection tasks, and basic hand-tool discussions.
Derivation
Diagonal' refers to the angle of the cutting jaws relative to the handles. That angle is the whole point of the tool — it lets the cutting edges sit flat against the surface being worked on, so wire can be cut flush instead of leaving a stub.
Why Pilots Care
They allow clean wire cuts in tight spaces without nicking adjacent conductors or damaging insulation on aircraft systems.
Intuition Check
Do not assume these are general-purpose pliers just because they look like pliers. Their main job is cutting, not gripping, twisting, or turning.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic used diagonal cutting pliers to snip the old safety wire from the oil filter before removing it.
Example Sentence 2
Use diagonal cutting pliers only on soft wire; never attempt to cut hardened steel safety wire with them.